In the music industry, a variety of hit songs are born every year.
There are tracks chosen as theme songs for dramas, movies, and popular anime, songs that went viral on social media, and revival hits from the Showa and Heisei eras, among others.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the songs that were big last year.
We’ve gathered masterpieces that symbolize 2022: songs released last year, songs that continued their momentum from the year before, tracks released a bit earlier but newly spotlighted, and songs that made a comeback.
Take a moment to look back on last year through music!
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Songs that were popular last year. A roundup of iconic tracks that symbolize 2022 (1–10).
Zankyo SankaAimer
Aimer’s 20th single in total, released in January 2022.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, it became a major hit, earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
Over a fast-paced, up-tempo track that effectively incorporates brass and piano arrangements, Aimer’s slightly husky vocals resonate with great appeal, conveying a palpable tension that draws listeners into the song’s world and the anime’s atmosphere.
W/X/YTani Yuuki
Tani Yuuki, whose nomination for the Best New Artist Award at the 2022 Japan Record Awards left a strong impression, is best known for his song “W/X/Y.” Although it was actually released in 2021, word of mouth gradually spread, and it went viral on social media in 2022.
It’s a soft, gentle ballad about life with one’s beloved.
Combined with Tani Yuuki’s vocals, it’s a song that is sure to touch the heart.
BetelgeuseYuuri
Betelgeuse was released as singer-songwriter Yuuri’s eighth major single, available exclusively via digital distribution.
Released on November 4, 2021, it has surpassed 100 million streams.
The song, which sings about human bonds and connections, was written as the theme for the TV drama SUPER RICH starring Noriko Eguchi.
It’s a masterpiece that blends Yuuri’s passionate vocals with the song’s refreshing worldview.
HabitSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Habit” drew attention for its distinctive dance, inspiring celebrities and many others to try it.
Released in 2022, the song was used as the theme for the film “xxxHOLiC.” The members reportedly took dance lessons specifically for the music video shoot.
Beyond the choreography, the lyrics—addressing the murky, frustrating sides of society—are also striking.
It’s a song that offers a bit of relief from that nagging feeling of, “It’s not exactly bad, but I just don’t like it—still, it’s considered common sense…”—the kind of discontent we tend to swallow even though we don’t really want to.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
Cinderella Boy, with its poignant story spun in a high-pitched voice, resonated with many listeners.
It’s a song released in 2021 by the rock band Saucy Dog.
Word of mouth spread on social media, and it was performed on television for the first time the following year, in 2022.
As everyone knows, it then ranked high on many music charts.
Although it was actually their first song written from a female perspective, it delicately captures the subtle shifts of the heart.
KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi
The edgy sound is so cool—it gets me insanely hyped! KICK BACK by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu was released digitally in October 2022.
It became a massive hit after being chosen as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man.
The lyrics are captivating, perfectly capturing Chainsaw Man’s decadent, dangerous, yet oddly offbeat world.
The humor-filled music video featuring Daiki Tsuneta from the rock band King Gnu also drew a lot of attention.
By the way, Tsuneta also took part in the arrangement.
Sorry for being cuteHONEY WORKS
The song that went viral on TikTok and was widely featured on TV is “Kawaikute Gomen.” It’s a character song produced by the music unit HoneyWorks and sung by voice actress Saori Hayami.
The lyrics are about the singer’s own cuteness.
With its uniquely quirky lyrics and catchy melody, it has gained broad support.
Its overall cute vibe also makes it easy to match with videos, which likely contributed to its viral success.